Military & Family Spotlight: Military Child Nicole Goetz

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Nicole Goetz – 2011 Military Child of the Year Award Recipient

Operation Homefront today announced the five recipients of the 2011 Military Child of the Year® Award. This year, for the first time, the award was given to an outstanding military child from each Service – Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard.

Each award recipient was chosen by a committee including active duty military personnel, Family Readiness Support Assistants, teachers, military mothers, and community members. The five winners received $5,000, and were flown with a parent or guardian to Washington, D.C. for a special recognition ceremony on April 7, 2011.

The winner for Air Force was 17 year old Nicole Goetz, a 12th grader from the Tyndall Air Force Base community.

Nicole moved to her current home during middle school – a tough transition for kids who grow up in the same house, never mind a kid who has moved towns several times. Once the family was stable, Nicole’s dad deployed – a lot. He spent 4 months in Iraq and was home about six months before he left for another year in Afghanistan.

Rather than dwell on the negative, Nicole embraced her new community in Panama City, Florida. She began volunteering at the local youth center, the church, veterans and nursing homes, and joined a variety of clubs in her high schools. In each of these places her leadership and enthusiasm was noticed and she was elected to countless leadership positions. As Key Club President, she led the group in an initiative to actively include exceptional students in the club.

She also spearheaded a cause that was close to her heart. Nicole organized 21 local schools to create and send hundreds of homemade Christmas cards, cookies and care packages to troops overseas. The project was highlighted by local television and newspapers.

Perhaps the person who most appreciates her work is Nicole’s 10-year-old brother. When she needs it, she tutors him in school work. And when he’s feeling down and missing their dad, she takes him to the movies, just the two of them. 

For more information, as well as other 2011 Military Child of the Year® Award winners, please visit Operation Homefront.